Borderline: The Story of 8 Mile Road

The Detroit Historical Society is celebrating Detroit’s 313th birthday with a full week of activities.

Monday–Friday, July 21–25 — The week will feature extended hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include a film screening daily at 1 p.m. and family-friendly hands-on activities and make-and-take crafts centered on our key exhibits each day from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

30 Minutes

Gary Glaser

This program captures the spirit and eccentricity of metro Detroit's most provocative thoroughfare.

No other road in Michigan evokes a response like the one you get when you mention 8 Mile. From topless dancers and the neighborhood groups that battle them, to storefront preachers and the homeless people they minister, 8 Mile remains our areas most notorious boundary.

Thoughtful commentary from Jerry Herron, Director of American Studies, and Ronald Stephens; associate Professor of Communication (both from Wayne State University) provide context and analysis. The documentary also features an interview with Mr. Belvedere (his office is on 8 Mile) as well as clips from some of his classic commercials. Part history, part pop culture, this film like a ride down 8 mile, is both thought provoking and entertaining.

1997 Emmy Winner 

This project is funded in part by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.